Liquid crystal display

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a liquid crystal display device having variety in design, comprising a first liquid crystal cell ( 16 ) and a second liquid crystal cell ( 18 ), made up of a liquid crystal layer sealed in a gap between a pair of transparent substrates having an electrode formed on each of the inner surfaces thereof, facing each other and disposed in that order from the visible side; an absorption-type polarizing film ( 12 ) disposed on the visible side of the first liquid crystal cell ( 16 ), for absorbing the light linearly polarized in the direction orthogonal to the transmission axis thereof; and a reflection-type polarizing film ( 14 ) disposed on a side of the second liquid crystal cell ( 18 ), opposite from the visible side thereof, for reflecting the light linearly polarized in the direction orthogonal to the transmission axis thereof.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a liquid crystal display device for use as adisplay panel in various electronic equipment such as a timepiece (watchand clock), portable information equipment, and so forth.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

A timepiece for indicating digital display of time information such asthe hour, minute, and second, and calendar information such as the date,days of the week, the month, and the year, by use of a liquid crystaldisplay panel, has been in widespread use for wrist watches and clocks,provided with a crystal oscillation circuit

There has also been in use a combination watch wherein an analog displayindicating time information by the hands of the watch is used incombination with digital display indicating time information andcalendar information in numbers and letters.

Further, there has been proposed an analog watch for selectivelydisplaying markers in various patterns, or for displaying simulatedhands for an hour hand, a minute hand, and a second hand, by providingthe dial thereof based on a liquid crystal display panel (refer to, forexample, Japanese Patent Laid-open S54-153066).

A reflective-type liquid crystal display device, small in size andconsuming very little electric power, has been in widespread use as adisplay panel for displaying necessary information (characterinformation and graphic information) in various electronic equipmentother than a timepiece, such as cellular phones, desktop electroniccomputers, game players, and so forth.

As such a liquid crystal display device as described above, in aconventional liquid crystal display panel, a liquid crystal cell filledwith liquid crystals is sandwiched between two transparent substrateshaving an electrode on respective inner surfaces thereof, facing eachother, and an upper polarizing film and a lower polarizing film aredisposed, respectively, on the external surface of the transparentsubstrates, on the opposite sides. If an electric field is applied tothe liquid crystals by applying a voltage to a pair of electrodes on thetransparent substrates holding the liquid crystal cell therebetween, theoptical property of the liquid crystals is changed, thereby locallycontrolling transmission and absorption of light falling on the liquidcrystal display panel such that a predetermined display is effected.

Either of the upper polarizing film or the lower polarizing film is apolarizing film absorbing the light linearly polarized in the directionorthogonal to the transmission axis thereof.

In the case of a watch using the conventional liquid crystal displaypanel described above, time information and calendar information aredisplayed in black against a white background in a normally white modethat is common.

However, by simply displaying time information and calendar informationin black against the white background as described in the foregoing,neither variation in design nor interest can be offered, with aresulting tendency to lose soon popularity with consumers. Probably, asa result, consumption of digital watches has recently been on thedecline, and neither combination watches nor analog watches with aliquid crystal display panel have since received market acceptance.

Similarly, with the conventional liquid crystal display panel used inelectronic equipment other than a timepiece, various informationexpressed in characters and graphics is generally displayed in blackagainst the white background, and although there are some whereininformation can be displayed in white against the black background in aninverse mode, the conventional liquid crystal display panel has stillbeen found lacking in design variation and aesthetic qualities.

In light of the present situation as described, the present inventionhas been developed, and an object of the invention is to provide aliquid crystal display device for use in various electronic equipmentsuch as a timepiece (watch and clock), and so forth, capable of offeringattractive variation in design and displaying information clearly sothat a viewer can see the display with greater ease.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

To this end, the invention provides a liquid crystal display devicecomprising a first liquid crystal cell and disposed on the visible sidemade up of a liquid crystal layer sealed in a gap between a pair oftransparent substrates having an electrode formed on each of the innersurfaces thereof, facing each other; a second liquid crystal celldisposed on the backside of the first liquid crystal cell; anabsorption-type polarizing film disposed on the visible side of thefirst liquid crystal cell, for absorbing the light linearly polarized inthe direction orthogonal to the transmission axis thereof; and areflection-type polarizing film disposed on a side of the second liquidcrystal cell opposite from the visible side thereof, for reflecting thelight linearly polarized in the direction orthogonal to the transmissionaxis thereof.

Further, a reflector or a color filter may be disposed on a side of thereflection-type polarizing film, opposite from the visible side thereof.

In the case of the color filter being disposed, any of aselective-transmission-type color filter, a selective-transmission-typecolor polarizing film, and a dielectric multi-layered filter may beused.

A light scattering film may be disposed on the visible side of theabsorption-type polarizing film.

A light scattering film may be disposed on the visible side of theabsorption-type polarizing film while a reflector or a color filter maybe disposed on a side of the reflection-type polarizing film, oppositefrom the visible side thereof.

A color filter may be disposed on a side of the reflection-typepolarizing film, opposite from the visible side thereof while areflector may be disposed on a side of the color filter, opposite fromthe visible side thereof. Further, a light scattering film may bedisposed on the visible side of the absorption-type polarizing film.

Alternatively a backlight may be disposed on a side of thereflection-type polarizing film, opposite from the visible side thereof.In such a case, any of an electroluminescence light, a light-emittingdiode array, a hot cathode fluorescent lump, and a cold-cathodefluorescent lamp may be adopted for the backlight.

In this case, a transflective reflector or a color filter is preferablydisposed between the reflection-type polarizing film and the backlight

Even in this case, a light scattering film is preferably disposed on thevisible side of the absorption-type polarizing film.

A color filter and a transflective reflector may be disposed between thereflection-type polarizing film and the backlight

With any of the liquid crystal display devices described above, it isdesirable that the absorption-type polarizing film and thereflection-type polarizing film are disposed such that respectivetransmission axes are orthogonal to or parallel with each other.

A liquid crystal layer of the first liquid crystal cell and the secondliquid crystal cell, respectively, is preferably composed of liquidcrystals causing linearly polarized light passing therethrough toundergo phase modulation or intensity modulation.

The liquid crystal layers of the first liquid crystal cell and thesecond liquid crystal cell, respectively, are preferably composed of anyof twisted nematic liquid crystals, supertwisted nematic liquid crystalsand guest-host liquid crystals.

In the case of the guest-host liquid crystals, use of guest-host liquidcrystals having homogeneous alignment or homeotropic alignment, in aninitial alignment thereof, is preferable.

Alternatively the liquid crystal layers of the first liquid crystal celland the second liquid crystal cell, respectively, may be composed offerroelectric liquid crystals or anti-ferroelectric liquid crystals.

In the case where the liquid crystal layer of the first liquid crystalcell is composed of twisted nematic liquid crystals, or guest-hostliquid crystals having homogeneous alignment or homeotropic alignment,in an initial alignment thereof, the transmission axis of theabsorption-type polarizing film is preferably oriented in a directionorthogonal to or parallel with the long axes of liquid crystal moleculesin the liquid crystal layer of the first liquid crystal cell, on thevisible side thereof.

In the case where the liquid crystal layers of the first liquid crystalcell and the second liquid crystal cell, respectively, are composed oftwisted nematic liquid crystals, it is desirable that the transmissionaxis of the absorption-type polarizing film is oriented in a directionorthogonal to or parallel with the long axes of liquid crystal moleculesin the liquid crystal layer of the first liquid crystal cell, on thevisible side thereof, the long axes of liquid crystal molecules in theliquid crystal layer of the first liquid crystal cell, on a sidethereof, opposite from the visible side, are oriented in a directionparallel with or orthogonal to the long axes of liquid crystal moleculesin the liquid crystal layer of the second liquid crystal cell, on thevisible side thereof, and the long axes of liquid crystal molecules inthe liquid crystal layer of the second liquid crystal cell, on a sidethereof, opposite from the visible side, are oriented in a directionparallel with or orthogonal to the transmission axis of thereflection-type polarizing film.

If whole-surface electrodes are adopted for both the electrodes formedon the inner surfaces of the pair of the transparent substrates of thefirst liquid crystal cell, facing each other, the function of an opticalshutter for display in a metallic tone can be provided.

With the liquid crystal display device according to the invention,having the construction described above, information expressed incharacters, graphics, and so forth can be displayed in a transparentstate, in a black color, or in an optional color against a background ina metallic tone, or conversely, display of the information such ascharacters, graphics, and so forth, in a metallic tone, can be effectedin a high contrast against the background displayed in a transparentstate, in a black color, or in an optional color. Further,transmission-type display can also be effected at night, and so forth byinstalling a backlight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing the construction of a firstembodiment of a liquid crystal display device according to theinvention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are enlarged sectional views of a first liquid crystalcell 16, and a second liquid crystal cell 18, respectively, shown inFIG. 1, showing foreshortened schematic illustration;

FIGS. 4 to 18 are schematic sectional views for illustrating theconstruction of second to sixteenth embodiments, respectively, of aliquid crystal display device according to the invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of a liquid crystal display device according tothe invention will be described hereinafter with reference to theattached drawings.

First Embodiment: FIGS. 1 to 3

First, a first embodiment of a liquid crystal display device accordingto the invention is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, with the liquid crystal display device, a firstliquid crystal cell 16 and a second liquid crystal cell 18 are disposedsuch that display regions of the respective liquid crystal cells aresuperimposed on each other, and an absorption-type polarizing film 12 isdisposed on the visible side of the first liquid crystal cell 16, whichis disposed on the visible side (the upper side in the figure of thecell) of the cell. Further, a reflection-type polarizing film 14 isdisposed on a side of the second liquid crystal cell 18 opposite fromthe visible side.

The absorption-type polarizing film 12 disposed on the visible side ofthe first liquid crystal cell 16 is a sheet-shaped member capable oftransmitting the light linearly polarized in the direction parallel withthe transmission axis thereof, and absorbing the light linearlypolarized in the direction orthogonal to the transmission axis thereof.

The reflection-type polarizing film 14 disposed on a side of the secondliquid crystal cell 18 opposite from the visible side, is a sheet-shapedmember capable of reflecting the light linearly polarized in thedirection orthogonal to the transmission axis thereof, and transmittingthe light linearly polarized in the direction parallel with thetransmission axis thereof.

An optical film, DBEF (trade name), marketed by Sumitomo Three M Co.,Ltd. is used for the reflection-type polarizing film 14.

As shown in an enlarged sectional view in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively,the first liquid crystal cell 16 and the second liquid crystal cell 18are made up of two transparent glass substrates 1, 2 stuck together witha sealing member 4 provided on the periphery thereof in such a way as toseal a liquid crystal layer 3 within a gap formed between the two glasssubstrates. In this embodiment, twisted nematic liquid crystals are usedin the liquid crystal layer 3.

Transparent electrodes 5, 6, or 7, 8, made of indium tin oxide (ITO),are formed on the inner faces of the sides in contact with the liquidcrystal layer 3, and the two glass substrates, 1, 2, respectively, andan alignment treatment is applied to the surface of the respectivetransparent electrodes such that liquid crystal molecules are aligned ina predetermined direction.

An alignment condition of liquid crystals held between the transparentelectrodes 5, 6, and 7, 8, is altered by applying a voltage between thetransparent electrodes 5, 6, and 7, 8, thereby displaying variousinformation such as time information and calendar information.

The first liquid crystal cell 16 and the absorption-type polarizing film12 are disposed such that the direction of the long axes of liquidcrystal molecules located on the visible side of the first liquidcrystal cell 16 is parallel with the transmission axis of theabsorption-type polarizing film 12.

Also, the first liquid crystal cell 16 and the second liquid crystalcell 18 are disposed such that the direction of the long axes of liquidcrystal molecules located on a side opposite from the visible side ofthe first liquid crystal cell 16 is parallel with the dicon of the longaxes of liquid crystal molecules located on the visible side of thesecond liquid crystal cell 18.

Further, the second liquid crystal cell 18 and the reflection-typepolarizing film 14 are disposed such that the direction of the long axesof liquid crystal molecules located on a side opposite from the visibleside of the second liquid crystal cell 18 is orthgonal to the directionof the transmission axis of the reflection-type polarizing film 14.

The first liquid crystal cell 16 and the second liquid crystal cell 18are each set to have a twist angle of 90°.

The absorption-type polarizing film 12 disposed on the visible side ofthe first liquid crystal cell 16, and the reflection-type polarizingfilm 14 disposed on the side of the second liquid crystal cell 18,opposite from the visible side, are disposed such that the directions ofthe transmission axis of the former intersects the transmission axes areorthogonal to each other.

With the liquid crystal display panel according to this embodiment ofthe invention, half of light falling on the absorption-type polarizingfilm 12 from the visible side is absorbed by the absorption-typepolarizing film 12, and the other half thereof is transmittedtherethrough as the light linearly polarized in the direction parallelwith the transmission axis of the absorption-type polarizing film 12,falling on the first liquid crystal cell 16 so that the direction of thelinearly polarizing light is rotated by a predetermined twist angle (90°in this case) due to the light guide effect when the first liquidcrystal cell 16 and the second liquid crystal cell 18 are in the “off”state wherein no voltage is applied between the electrodes.

Subsequently, the linearly polarized light falling on the second liquidcrystal cell 18 has its polarized direction rotated by the twist angledue to the light guide effect.

As the direction of the long axes of liquid crystal molecules located onthe side opposite from the visible side of the second liquid crystalcell 18, is orthogonal to the transmission axis of the reflection-typepolarizing film 14, disposed on the side of the second liquid crystalcell 18 opposite from the visible side, light outgoing from the secondliquid crystal cell 18 undergoes specular reflection by thereflection-type polarizing film 14.

The light reflected propagates through the second liquid crystal cell 18and the first liquid crystal cell 16, in this order, being turned to belinearly polarized in the direction parallel with the transmission axisof the absorption-type polarizing film 12, disposed on the visible sideof the first liquid crystal cell 16, due to the light guide effect, sothat the light in whole is transmitted through the absorption-typepolarizing film 12, and travels out to the visible side. Accordingly,viewers can see the light in a metallic tone, reflected by thereflection-type polarizing film 14.

Next, when a voltage is applied between the electrodes 5, 6 of the firstliquid crystal cell 16 so as to cause liquid crystal molecules toundergo homeotropic alignment, the first liquid crystal cell 16 losesits light guide effect. Accordingly, a component of incoming lighthaving the direction of the transmission axis of the absorption-typepolarizing film 12 falls on the second liquid crystal cell 18 withoutthe direction thereof being rotated.

This state is thus equivalent to the second liquid crystal cell 18 beingsandwiched between a pair of orthogonally polarizing elements,consisting of the absorption-type polarizing film 12 and thereflection-type polarizing film 14.

Now, if the electrodes 5, 6 of the first liquid crystal cell 16 areformed so as to function as electrodes across the whole surface areathereof while the electrodes 7, 8 of the second liquid crystal cell 18are formed in a predetermined pattern for displaying characters andgraphics, or in a dot matrix pattern in a pattern of strips for rows orlines of the dot matrix, the second liquid crystal cell 18 loses itslight guide effect in regions thereof in the “on,” state wherein avoltage is applied between the electrodes 7, 8 of the second liquidcrystal cell 18, and the light linearly polarized in the directionparallel with the transmission axis of the absorption-type polarizingfilm 12 is transmitted in whole therethrough, thereby being turned to belinearly polarized in the direction orthogonal to the transmission axisof the reflection-type polarizing film 14, and undergoing specularreflection by the reflection-type polarizing film 14. Accordingly,viewers can see the reflected light in a metallic tone.

In regions of the second liquid crystal cell 18, in the “off” statewherein no voltage is applied between the electrodes 7, 8 thereof, thelight linearly polarized in the direction parallel with the transmissionaxis of the absorption-type polarizing film 12, incident on the secondliquid crystal cell 18, is rotated by 90°, and turned to be linearlypolarized in the direction parallel with the transmission axis of thereflection-type polarizing film 14, thereby being transmitted in wholethrough the reflection-type polarizing film 14. The liquid crystaldisplay device is thus turned to be in a transparent state showingtherethrough a color of the background. Accordingly, if a lightabsorption member or a colored member is disposed underneath thereflection-type polarizing film 14, a view in a black color or the colorof the colored member can be seen.

Thus, in the liquid crystal display device according to the firstembodiment of the invention, the whole surface is displayed in ametallic tone when both the first liquid crystal cell 16 and the secondliquid crystal cell 18 are in the “off” state, and when the first liquidcrystal cell 16 is in the “on” state wherein a voltage is appliedbetween the electrodes (whole surface electrodes) 5, 6 thereof, displaywill be effected in a transparent condition, An optical shutter fordisplaying a metallic tone can thus be opened or closed either byapplying or by not applying a voltage to the first liquid crystal cell16.

Further, with a voltage applied between the electrodes 5, 6 of the firstliquid crystal cell 16, and by applying a voltage between the electrodes7, 8 of the second liquid crystal cell 18, only required display regionswill be in a display state in a metallic tone, enabling display ofinformation in a metallic tone.

Accordingly, in contrast to a liquid crystal display device whereindigital display of information such as time information, calendarinformation, and so forth is effected in a black color against a whitebackground, the liquid crystal display device according to thisembodiment is capable of effecting display not only striking in contrastbut also highly variable in design and amusing to users.

Consequently, with the use of this liquid crystal display device,electronic equipment such as an electronic timepiece, and so forth,highly variable in design, can be provided.

Additionally, the absorption-type polarizing film 12 and thereflection-type polarizing film 14, disposed above and below, with thefirst liquid crystal cell 16 and the second liquid crystal cell 18interposed therebetween, may be disposed such that the transmission axisof the absorption-type polarizing film 12 runs in parallel with thetransmission axis of the reflection-type polarizing film 14.

With such a configuration, contrary to the case previously described asabove, when the first liquid crystal cell 16 and the second liquidcrystal cell 18 are in the “off” state, the light linearly polarized inthe direction parallel with the transmission axis of the absorption-typepolarizing film 12 is rotated by 90° by each of the first liquid crystalcell 16 and the second liquid crystal cell 18, respectively, due to thelight guide effect thereof, so that same is rotated by 180° altogether,and turned to be linearly polarized in the direction parallel with thetransmission axis of the reflection-type polarizing film 14, thustransmitting therethrough in whole. Accordingly, the interior of theliquid crystal display device will be in a transparent condition.

When a voltage is applied only between the whole-surface electrodes 5, 6of the first liquid crystal cell 16, display in a metallic tone,dependent on the reflection characteristic of the reflection-typepolarizing film 14, is effected.

Further, when a voltage is applied only between the electrodes 7, 8 ofthe second liquid crystal cell 18, being patterned as required fordisplaying characters and time, while keeping the first liquid crystalcell 16 in the “on” state, display of characters and time can beeffected within the display in a metallic tone, dependent on thereflection characteristic of the reflection-type polarizing film 14.

Conversely, the electrodes 5, 6 of the first liquid crystal cell 16 maybe formed in predetermined patterns for characters and graphics whilethe electrodes 7, 8 of the second liquid crystal cell 18 may be formedinto whole-surface electrodes.

In this case, it is so arranged that the transmission axis of theabsorption-type polarizing film 12 disposed on the visible side will bein parallel with the direction of the long axes of liquid crystalmolecules located on the visible side of the first liquid crystal cell16.

Further, guest-host liquid crystals, other than the twisted nematicliquid crystals, may be used in the liquid crystal layer 3 of either ofor both the first liquid crystal cell 16 and the second liquid crystalcell 18.

The guest-host liquid crystal is a mixed type liquid crystal produced bydissolving a dichroic dye as solute in a liquid crystal compound assolvent If the alignment condition of the guest-host liquid crystalmolecules is caused to change by applying an electric field thereto,alignment of the dichroic dye can be controlled following movement ofthe guest-host liquid crystal molecules, thereby indicating colordisplay after modulating absorption of light incoming from a givendirection.

Also, for the liquid crystal layer 3 described, supertwisted nematicliquid crystals, ferroelectric liquid crystals, or anti-ferroelectricliquid crystals may be used.

Second Embodiment: FIG. 4

Next, a second embodiment of a liquid crystal display device accordingto the invention is described with reference to FIG. 4.

In FIG. 4, parts corresponding to those previously described withreference to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

A first liquid crystal cell 16 and a second liquid crystal cell 18 havethe same construction as that of corresponding parts of the firstembodiment shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, respectively. The same applies toother embodiments described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 5 to 18.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 4 differs from the firstembodiment of the invention only in that a reflector 20 is installed ona side opposite from the visible side (the underside in the figure) ofthe reflection-type polarizing film 14 disposed on the side of thesecond liquid crystal cell 18 opposite from the visible side.

The reflector 20 is a film-like substrate with a thin film of a metal,such as aluminum or nickel, formed thereon.

With the liquid crystal display device according to this embodiment,comprising the reflector 20 disposed on the underside of thereflection-type polarizing film 14, linearly polarized light passingthrough the reflection-type polarizing film 14 is reflected by thereflector 20, and travels out towards the visible side along an opticalpath in reverse.

Accordingly, when a predetermined difference is set between thereflection characteristic of the reflection-type polarizing film 14 andthat of the reflector 20, switching between the reflectioncharacteristics can be effected by applying or by not applying a voltageto the first liquid crystal cell 16.

Now, if electrodes of the second liquid crystal cell 18 are formed in apredetermined pattern for displaying characters and time, since a regionof the second liquid crystal cell 18 where a voltage is applied willlose its light guide effect, the light linearly polarized in thedirection parallel with the transmission axis of the absorption-typepolarizing film 12, falling on the region, is transmitted therethroughas it is, and falls on the reflection-type polarizing film 14 beinglinearly polarized in the direction orthogonal to the transmission axisof the reflection-type polarizing film 14. Consequently, the lightincident thereon is reflected in whole by the reflection-type polarizingfilm 14, and travels out towards the visible side, so that a viewer cansee reflected light in a metallic tone, dependent on the reflectioncharacteristic of the reflection-type polarizing film 14.

Thus, in the liquid crystal display device according to this embodiment,when a voltage is applied to neither the first liquid crystal cell 16nor the second liquid crystal cell 18, the entire surface is displayedin a metallic tone, dependent on the reflection characteristic of thereflection-type polarizing film 14. On the other hand, when a voltage isapplied to whole surface electrodes of the first liquid crystal cell 16,display will be dependent on the reflection characteristic of thereflector 20, so that an optical shutter in a metallic tone can beopened or closed by applying or by not applying a voltage to the firstliquid crystal cell 16.

Further, by applying a voltage to the electrodes of the second liquidcrystal cell 18, formed in the predetermined pattern, while applying avoltage to the whole surface electrodes of the first liquid crystal cell16, regions in the predetermined pattern only can be displayed in ametallic tone dependent on the reflection characteristic of thereflection-type polarizing film 14.

Accordingly, in comparison with a conventional liquid crystal displaydevice for displaying various information in a black color against awhite background, the liquid crystal display device according to thisembodiment is capable of effecting contrast by changeover of thereflection characteristic between the reflection-type polarizing film 14and the reflector 20, thus enabling the construction thereof to havevariety in design so as to be able to offer users a sense of amusement.

Therefore, if the liquid crystal display device according to thisembodiment is applied to a timepiece (mainly a watch), the timepiececapable of indicating digital display having variation in design can beprovided.

Further, this embodiment has a configuration wherein the reflector 20 isinstalled on the underside of the reflection-type polarizing film 14disposed on the side of the second liquid crystal cell 18 opposite fromthe visible side.

When the reflector 20 is disposed on the underside of thereflection-type polarizing film 14 in this way, light transmittedthrough the reflection-type polarizing film 14 can be reflectedrepeatedly between the reflector 20 and the backside surface of thereflection-type polarizing film 14, even if the reflector 20 is of adepolarization type, resulting in improvement in a light utilizationefficiency. As a result, a bright display high in contrast can beeffected.

Here, the absorption-type polarizing film 12 and the reflection-typepolarizing film 14, disposed above and below, with the first liquidcrystal cell 16 and the second liquid crystal cell 18 interposedtherebetween, may be disposed such that the transmission axis of theabsorption-type polarizing film 12 is parallel with that of thereflection-type polarizing film 14.

With such a configuration, contrary to the case described above, when avoltage is not applied to the first liquid crystal cell 16 and thesecond liquid crystal cell 18, display dependent on the reflectioncharacteristic of the reflector 20 will be effected while displaydependent on the reflection characteristic of the reflection-typepolarizing film 14 will be effected in metallic tone when a voltage isapplied to the whole surface electrodes of the first liquid crystal cell16 only.

Further, when a voltage is applied between the electrodes of the secondliquid crystal cell 18, formed in a predetermined pattern for displayingcharacters and graphics while keeping the first liquid crystal cell 16in a state wherein a voltage is applied thereto, display of charactersand graphics, dependent on the reflection characteristic of thereflector 20, can be effected within the display in a metallic tone,dependent on the reflection characteristic of the reflection-typepolarizing film 14.

Needless to say, in this case as well, electrodes may be formed in apredetermined pattern for displaying characters and graphics inside thefirst liquid crystal cell 16, and whole surface electrodes may be formedinside the second liquid crystal cell 18.

In such a case, it is to be arranged such that the transmission axis ofthe absorption-type polarizing film 12 disposed on the visible side willbe in parallel with the direction of the long axes of liquid crystalmolecules located on the visible side of the first liquid crystal cell16.

Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, various othermodifications to this embodiment are possible.

Third Embodiment: FIG. 5

Next, a third embodiment of a liquid crystal display device according tothe invention is described with reference to FIG. 5.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 5 differs from the firstembodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 1, only in that a colorfilter 24 is installed on a side opposite from the visible side (theunderside in the figure) of a reflection-type polarizing film 14disposed on a side of the second liquid crystal cell 18 opposite fromthe visible side.

For the color filter 24, a selective-transmission-type color polarizingfilm, a dielectric multi-layered filter, a selective-transmission-typecolor filter, or the like is used.

The selective-transmission-type color polarizing film has property oftransmitting all the light, at all wavelengths, linearly polarized inthe direction parallel with the transmission axis thereof, buttransmitting a light component at a specific wavelength (a lightcomponent in a specific color) only, of the light linearly polarized inthe direction orthogonal to the transmission axis thereof, whileabsorbing light components at other wavelengths.

The dielectric multi-layered filter is formed by laminating a pluralityof dielectrics having different refractive indexes to each other, andhas property of reflecting a light component at a specific wavelength,but transmitting light components at other wavelengths.

The selective-transmission-type color filter is the most common colorfilter for transmitting a light component at a specific wavelength only,but absorbing light components at all the other wavelengths. Forexample, a pigment dispersed coating, prepared by mixing and dispersinga pigment in a specific color into an organic resin, and the like isused for the selective-transmission-type color filter.

In the liquid crystal display device according to this embodiment,comprising the color filter 24 disposed on the underside of thereflection-type polarizing film 14, linearly polarized light transmittedthrough the reflection-type polarizing film 14 is reflected according tothe reflective characteristic of the color filter 24, dependent on theoptical property thereof.

In this case, if the color filter 24 of a reflection-type is used,display is effected in the color of reflected light, dependent on thereflection spectrum of the color filter 24, and if the color filter 24of an absorption-type is used, display can be effected in a muted colortone. Accordingly, change between the reflection characteristic of thereflection-type polarizing film 14, and the reflection characteristic orthe absorption characteristic of the color filter 24 can be executed byapplying or by not applying a voltage to the first liquid crystal cell16.

Now, if electrodes of the second liquid crystal cell 18 are formed in apredetermined pattern for displaying characters and graphics, since aregion of the second liquid crystal cell 18, wherein a voltage isapplied, will lose its light guide effect, the incoming light linearlypolarized in the direction parallel with the transmission axis of anabsorption-type polarizing film 12 falling on the region is transmittedtherethrough as it is, and falls on the reflection-type polarizing film14 being linearly polarized in the direction orthogonal to thetransmission axis of the reflection-type polarizing film 14.Consequently, the light incident thereon is reflected in whole by thereflection-type polarizing film 14, so that a viewer can see reflectedlight in a metallic tone, dependent on the reflection characteristic ofthe reflection-type polarizing film 14.

Thus, in the liquid crystal display device according to this embodiment,when a voltage is applied to neither the first liquid crystal cell 16nor to the second liquid crystal cell 18, the entire surface isdisplayed in a metallic tone, dependent on the reflection characteristicof the reflection-type polarizing film 14. On the other hand, when avoltage is applied to whole surface electrodes of the first liquidcrystal cell 16, display dependent on the reflection characteristic andthe absorption characteristic of the color filter 24 will be effected,so that an optical shutter for a metallic tone can be opened or closedby applying or by not applying a voltage to the first liquid crystalcell 16.

Further, by applying a voltage to the electrodes of the second liquidcrystal cell 18, formed in the predetermined pattern, while applying avoltage to the whole surface electrodes of the first liquid crystal cell16, regions of the electrodes formed in the predetermined pattern onlycan be displayed in a metallic tone, dependent on the reflectioncharacteristic of the reflection-type polarizing film 14, against abackground color dependent on the reflection characteristic and theabsorption characteristic of the color filter 24.

Accordingly, in comparison with a conventional liquid crystal displaydevice for displaying various information in a black color, determinedaccording to absorption characteristics of an absorption-type polarizingfilm, against a white background, the liquid crystal display deviceaccording to this embodiment is capable of producing contrast by varyingthe reflection characteristic and the absorption characteristic betweenthat of the reflection-type polarizing film 14 and the color filter 24,thus enabling a configuration thereof to have variety in design so as tobe able to offer users a sense of amusement

Further, this embodiment has adopted the configuration wherein the colorfilter 24 is installed on the underside of the reflection-typepolarizing film 14 disposed on the side of the second liquid crystalcell 18, opposite from the visible side.

If the color filter 24 is disposed on the underside of thereflection-type polarizing film 14 in this way, light transmittedthrough the reflection-type polarizing film 14 can be reflectedrepeatedly between the color filter 24 and the backside surface of thereflection-type polarizing film 14 even if the color filter 24 is of adepolarization type, resulting in improvement in a light utilizationeffisiency. As a result, a bright display in high contrast can beeffected.

By disposing the color filter 24 on the underside of the reflection-typepolarizing film 14 as described above, components of the lighttransmitted through the reflection-type polarizing film 14, at specificwavelengths, can be reflected or absorbed by the color filter 24.Accordingly, when the liquid crystal display device according to thisembodiment is applied to a timepiece, regions for digitally displayingtime information such as the hour, minute, and second, and calendarinformation such as day, days of the week, month, year or a background,or regions for analog display of simulated hands for an hour hand, aminute hand, and a second hand or a background, can be colored.

Here, the absorption-type polarizing film 12 and the reflection-typepolarizing film 14, disposed above and below, with the first liquidcrystal cell 16 and the second liquid crystal cell 18 interposedtherebetween, may be disposed such that the transmission axis of theabsorption-type polarizing film 12 is parallel with that of thereflection-type polarizing film 14.

With such a configuration, contrary to the case described above, when avoltage is not applied to the first liquid crystal cell 16 and thesecond liquid crystal cell 18, display dependent on the reflection andabsorption characteristics of the color filer 24 will be effected whiledisplay in a metallic tone, dependent on the reflection characteristicof the reflection-type polarizing film 14, will be effected when avoltage is applied to the whole surface electrodes of the first liquidcrystal cell 16 only.

Further, when a voltage is applied between the electrodes of the secondliquid crystal cell 18, formed in a predetermined pattern for displayingcharacters and graphics, while keeping the first liquid crystal cell 16in a state wherein a voltage is applied thereto, display of charactersand graphics, in a color tone dependent on the reflection and absorptioncharacteristics of the color filer 24, can be effected within thedisplay in a metallic tone, dependent on the reflection characteristicof the reflection-type polarizing film 14.

Needless to say, in this case as well, electrodes may be formed in apredetermined pattern for displaying characters and graphics inside thefirst liquid crystal cell 16, and the whole surface electrodes may beformed inside the second liquid crystal cell 18.

In such a case, it is to be arranged such that the transmission axis ofthe absorption-type polarizing film 12 disposed on the visible side willbe in parallel with the direction of the long axes of liquid crystalmolecules located on the visible side of the first liquid crystal cell16.

Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, various othermodifications to this embodiment are also possible.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 6

Next, a fourth embodiment of a liquid crystal display device accordingto the invention is described with reference to FIG. 6.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 6 differs from the firstembodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 1, only in that a lightscattering film 22 is installed on the visible side of anabsorption-type polarizing film 12 disposed on the visible side of afirst liquid crystal cell 16.

The light scattering film 22 is formed by applying, for example, silica(silicon dioxide) particles, acrylic beads, calcium powders or the like,mixed into an adhesive, to a film-like substrate.

By installing the light scattering film 22 on the visible side of theabsorption-type polarizing film 12 disposed on the visible side of thefirst liquid crystal cell 16, light failing on or outgoing from theliquid crystal display device is caused to undergo forward scattering orbackward scattering as seen from the visible side due to the effect ofthe light scattering film.

A viewer sees reflected light in a metallic tone, reflected by areflection-type polarizing film 14, through the light scattering film22. Accordingly, a degree of the metallic tone undergoes a change owingto the characteristic of the light scattering film 22, and if, forexample, the light scattering film 22 having a significant backwardscattering characteristic as seen from the visible side is used, themetallic tone will be converted into a white color.

Thus, white display can be effected by scattering of light due to theeffect of the light scattering film 22, enabling display of a backgroundfor displaying various information in a metallic tone to be changed intodisplay in a softer color tone. Accordingly, with the use of the liquidcrystal display device according to this embodiment, electronicequipment such as a timepiece, and so forth, capable of indicatingelegant display, can be provided

Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, various othermodifications to this embodiment are also possible.

Fifth Embodiment: FIG. 7

Next, a fifth embodiment of a liquid crystal display device according tothe invention is described with reference to FIG. 7.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 7 differs from thefourth embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 6, only in that acolor filter 24 is installed on a side opposite from the visible side(the underside in the figure) of a reflection-type polarizing film 14disposed on a side of the second liquid crystal cell 18 opposite fromthe visible side.

As in the case of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5, aselective-transmission-type color polarizing film, a dielectricmulti-layered filter, a selective-transmission-type color filter or thelike is used for the color filter 24.

Since the operation and function of the liquid crystal display deviceaccording to this embodiment are equivalent to those of the liquidcrystal display device equipped with the color filter 24 according tothe third embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, in combination with the liquidcrystal display device equipped with the light scattering film 22according to fourth embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, description thereof isomitted here.

Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, various othermodifications to this embodiment are also possible.

Sixth Embodiment: FIGS. 8

Next, a sixth embodiment of a liquid crystal display device according tothe invention is described with reference to FIG. 8.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 8 differs from the fifthembodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 7, only in that a reflector20 in place of the color filter 24 is installed on a side opposite fromthe visible side (the underside in the figure) of the reflection-typepolarizing film 14, opposite from the visible side thereof.

The reflector 20 is a film-like substrate with a thin film of a metalsuch as aluminum or nickel, formed thereon by means of vapor deposition,and so forth.

The light scattering film 22 installed on the visible side of anabsorption-type polarizing film 12 is formed by applying silica (silicondioxide) particles, acrylic beads, calcium powders or the like, mixedinto an adhesive, to the surface of a film-like substrate. This is thesame as in the case of the light scattering film 22 installed in theliquid crystal display device according to the fourth and fifthembodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively.

Since the operation and function of the liquid crystal display deviceaccording to this embodiment are equivalent to those of the liquidcrystal display device equipped with the reflector 20 according to thesecond embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, in combination with the liquidcrystal display device equipped with the light scattering film 22according to fourth embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, description thereof isomitted here.

Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, various othermodifications to this embodiment are also possible.

Seventh Embodiment: FIG. 9

Next, a seventh embodiment of a liquid crystal display device accordingto the invention is described with reference to FIG. 9.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 9 differs from the thirdembodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 5, only in that a reflector20 is installed on a side opposite from the visible side (the undersidein the figure) of the color filter 24 disposed on the side (theunderside in the figure) of the reflection-type polarizing film 14,opposite from the visible side.

The color filter 24 is the same as that described in the thirdembodiment, shown in FIG. 5, and the reflector 20 is the same as thatdescribed in the second embodiment, shown in FIG. 4.

Thus, with the liquid crystal display device according to thisembodiment, the color filter 24 is disposed on the underside of thereflection-type polarizing film 14, and the reflector 20 is disposedfurther on the underside of the color filter 24.

Consequently, linearly polarized light transmitted through thereflection-type polarizing film 14 is reflected according to thereflection characteristic dependent on optical properties of the colorfilter 24 and the reflector 20. Accordingly, change between thereflection characteristic of the reflection-type polarizing film 14 andthe absorption and reflection characteristics of the color filter 24 andthe reflector 20 can be effected by applying or by not applying avoltage to a first liquid crystal cell 16.

Now, if a voltage is applied to electrodes of the second liquid crystalcell 18, formed in a predetermined pattern for displaying characters andgraphics, a liquid crystal layer in those regions will lose its lightguide effect As a result, the light linearly polarized in the directionparallel with the transmission axis of the absorption-type polarizingfilm 12 is transmitted as it is through the second liquid crystal cell18. Consequently, linearly polarized light falling on thereflection-type polarizing film 14 will have the direction orthogonal tothe transmission axis of the reflection-type polarizing film 14.

Accordingly, the linearly polarized light incident thereon is reflectedin whole as it is by the reflection-type polarizing film 14, so that aviewer can see reflected light in a metallic tone according to thereflection characteristic of the reflection-type polarizing film 14.

Thus, with the liquid crystal display device according to thisembodiment, when a voltage is applied to neither the first liquidcrystal cell 16 nor to the second liquid crystal cell 18, the entiresurface is displayed in a metallic tone, determined according to thereflection characteristic of the reflection-type polarizing film 14. Onthe other hand, when a voltage is applied to whole-surface electrodes ofthe first liquid crystal cell 16, display will be dependent on thereflection characteristic determined according to absorption andreflection properties of the color filter 24 and the reflector 20, sothat an optical shutter for a metallic tone can be opened or closed byapplying or by not applying a voltage to the first liquid crystal cell16.

Further, by applying a voltage to the electrodes of the second liquidcrystal cell 18, formed in the predetermined pattern, while applying avoltage to the whole-surface electrodes of the first liquid crystal cell16, regions in the predetermined pattern only can be displayed in ametallic tone determined according to the reflection characteristic ofthe reflection-type polarizing film 14 against the color of abackground, dependent on the reflection and absorption properties of thecolor filter 24.

Accordingly, in comparison with a conventional liquid crystal displaydevice for displaying various information in a black color, determinedaccording to absorption characteristics of an absorption-type polarizingfilm against a white background, the liquid crystal display deviceaccording to this embodiment is capable of effecting contrast byswitching in the absorption and reflection characteristics among thereflection-type polarizing film 14, the color filter 24, and thereflector 20, thereby enabling the construction thereof to have varietyin design so as to be able to offer users a sense of amusement

If the color filter 24 and the reflector 20 are disposed on theunderside of the reflection-type polarizing film 14 as described above,light transmitted through the reflection-type polarizing film 14 can bereflected repeatedly between the color filter 24 or the reflector 20,and the backside surface of the reflection-type polarizing film 14, evenif the color filter 24 and the reflector 20 are of a depolarizationtype, resulting in improvement in a light utilization efficiency. As aresult, a bright display high in contrast can be effected

Further, when the liquid crystal display device according to thisembodiment is applied to a timepiece, components of the lighttransmitted through the reflection-type polarizing film 14, at specificwavelengths, can be reflected or absorbed by combination of the colorfilter 24 and the reflector 20, and regions for digitally displayingtime information such as the hour, minute, and second, and calendarinformation such as day, days of the week, month, year or a background,or regions for analog display of simulated hands for an hour hand, aminute hand, and a second hand or a background, can be colored.

Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, various othermodifications to this embodiment are also possible.

Eighth Embodiment: FIG. 10

Next, an eighth embodiment of a liquid crystal display device accordingto the invention is described with reference to FIG. 10.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 10 differs from theseventh embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 9, only in that alight scattering film 22 is installed on the visible side of theabsorption-type polarizing film 12 disposed on the visible side of thefirst liquid crystal cell 16.

Similarly to the case of the fourth embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, thelight scattering film 22 described is formed by applying silica (silicondioxide) particles, acrylic beads, calcium powders or the like, mixedinto an adhesive, to a film-like substrate.

Since the function of the liquid crystal display device according tothis embodiment corresponds to a combination of that of the liquidcrystal display device according to the seventh embodiment describedabove, equipped with the color filter 24 and the reflector 20, and thatof the liquid crystal display device according to the fourth embodiment,equipped with the light scattering film 22, as shown in FIG. 6,description thereof is omitted here.

Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, various othermodifications to this embodiment are also possible.

Ninth Embodiment: FIG. 11

Next, a ninth embodiment of a liquid crystal display device according tothe invention is described with reference to FIG. 11.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 11 differs from theliquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment of theinvention, shown in FIG. 1, only in that a backlight 26 is installed ona side opposite to the visible side (the underside in the figure) of areflection-type polarizing film 14 disposed on a side of a second liquidcrystal cell 18, opposite from the visible side.

For the backlight 26, an electroluminescent (EL) light, a light-emittingdiode (LED) array, a hot cathode tube, or a cold cathode tube may beused. However, use of the EL light of a surface-emitting type ispreferred.

With the liquid crystal display device provided with the backlight 26disposed on the underside of the reflection-type polarizing film 14, ifa voltage is applied to the electrodes of the second liquid crystal cell18, formed in the predetermined pattern for displaying characters andgraphics, while applying a voltage to the whole-surface electrodes of afirst liquid crystal cell 16, for example, the light linearly polarizedin the direction parallel with the transmission axis of thereflection-type polarizing film 14 among light emitted by the backlight26 when lit up is transmitted through the reflection-type polarizingfilm 14, and falls on the second liquid crystal cell 18 in regions otherthan those in the predetermined pattern for displaying characters andgraphics, thereby having the direction thereof rotated due to the lightguide effect of the second liquid crystal cell 18.

At this point in time, the first liquid crystal cell 6 has no lightguide effect, and allows the light linearly polarized falling thereon topass as it is, turning same into the light linearly polarized in thedirection parallel with the transmission axis of an absorption-typepolarizing film 12, and allowing same to be transmitted through theabsorption-type polarizing film 12 to travel out towards the visibleside.

Further, the portion of the light emitted by the backlight 26 which islinearly polarized in the direction to the reflection axis of thereflection-type polarizing film 14 is reflected by the reflection-typepolarizing film 14, however, part of the reflected light is reflectedagain at the surface of the backlight 26, and when depolarizationoccurs, the part of the reflected light becomes linearly polarized inthe direction parallel with the transmission axis of the reflection-typepolarizing film 14, and is transmitted through the reflection-typepolarizing film 14.

Thus, with the liquid crystal display device according to thisembodiment, not only a reflection-type display using external light, butalso transmission-type display using backlight, both having a high lightutilization efficiency, can be effected.

Since other arrangements and functions of the liquid crystal displaydevice according to this embodiment are similar to those of the liquidcrystal display device according to the first embodiment, descriptionthereof is omitted here.

Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, various othermodifications to this embodiment are also possible.

Tenth Embodiment: FIG. 12

Next, a tenth embodiment of a liquid crystal display device according tothe invention is described with reference to FIG. 12.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 12 differs from theliquid crystal display device according to the ninth embodiment of theinvention, shown in FIG. 11, only in that a transflective reflector 28is installed between a reflection-type polarizing film 14, and abacklight 26 disposed on a side (the underside) of the reflection-typepolarizing film 14 opposite from the visible side thereof.

The transflective reflector 28 is a member made up of a film-likesubstrate with a thin film of a metal such as aluminum, nickel, or thelike, formed thereon so as to allow part of incoming light to passtherethrough.

With the liquid crystal display device according to this embodiment, thetransflective reflector 28 is disposed on the underside of thereflection-type polarizing film 14, so that half of linearly polarizedlight transmitted through the reflection-type polarizing film 14 isreflected by the transflective reflector 28.

Accordingly, if a predetermined difference is set between the reflectioncharacteristic of the reflection-type polarizing film 14 and that of thetransflective reflector 28, the reflection characteristics can bealternated between by applying or by not applying a voltage to a firstliquid crystal cell 16.

Accordingly, when a voltage is applied to neither the first liquidcrystal cell 16 nor to the second liquid crystal cell 18, the entiresurface is displayed in a metallic tone, determined according to thereflection characteristic of the reflection-type polarizing film 14. Onthe other hand, when a voltage is applied to whole-surface electrodes ofthe first liquid crystal cell 16, display will be dependent on thereflection characteristic of the transflective reflector 28, so that anoptical shutter In a metallic tone can be opened or closed by applyingor by not applying a voltage to the first liquid crystal cell 16.

Further, by applying a voltage to the electrodes of the second liquidcrystal cell 18, formed in the predetermined pattern, while applying avoltage to the whole-surface electrodes of the first liquid crystal cell16, regions in the predetermined pattern only can be displayed in ametallic tone determined according to the reflection characteristic ofthe reflection-type polarizing film 14.

Here, the absorption-type polarizing film 12 and the reflection-typepolarizing film 14, disposed above and below, with the first liquidcrystal cell 16 and the second liquid crystal cell 18 interposedtherebetween, may be disposed such that the transmission axis of theabsorption-type polarizing film 12 is parallel with that of thereflection-type polarizing film 14.

With such a configuration, contrary to the case described above, when avoltage is not applied to the first liquid crystal cell 16 and thesecond liquid crystal cell 18, the entire surface will be in displaydependent on the reflection characteristic of the transflectivereflector 28, while display in a metallic tone, dependent on thereflection characteristic of the reflection-type polarizing film 14,will be effected when a voltage is applied to the whole surfaceelectrodes of the first liquid crystal cell 16 only.

Further, when a voltage is applied between the electrodes of the secondliquid crystal cell 18, formed in a predetermined pattern for displayingcharacters and graphics, while keeping the first liquid crystal cell 16in a state wherein a voltage is applied thereto, display of charactersand graphics, dependent on the reflection characteristics of thetransflective reflector 28, can be effected within the display in ametallic tone, determined according to the reflection characteristic ofthe reflection-type polarizing film 14.

Needless to say, in this case as well, the electrodes may be formed in apredetermined pattern for displaying characters and graphics inside thefirst liquid crystal cell 16, and the whole surface electrodes may beformed inside the second liquid crystal cell 18.

In such a case, it is to be arranged such tat the transmission axis ofthe absorption-type polarizing film 12 disposed on the visible side willbe in parallel with the direction of the long axes of liquid crystalmolecules located on the visible side of the first liquid crystal cell16.

Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, various othermodifications to this embodiment are also possible.

Eleventh Embodiment: FIG. 13

Next, an eleventh embodiment of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the invention is described with reference to FIG. 13.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 13 differs from theliquid crystal display device according to the tenth embodiment, shownin FIG. 12, only in that a color filter 24 is installed between areflection-type polarizing film 14 in place of the transflectivereflector 28, and a backlight 26 disposed on a side (the underside) ofthe reflection-type polarizing film 14 opposite from the visible sidethereof.

For the color filter 24, a selective-transmission-type color polarizingfilm, a dielectric multi-layered filter, a selective-transmission-typecolor filter, or the like is used.

With the liquid crystal display device according to this embodiment,comprising the color filter 24 disposed on the underside of thereflection-type polarizing film 14, linearly polarized light transmittedthrough the reflection-type polarizing film 14 is reflected according tothe reflection characteristic of the color filter 24, dependent on theoptical property thereof.

In this case, if the color filter 24 of a reflection type is used,display is effected in the color of reflected light, dependent on thereflection spectrum of the color filter 24, and if the color filter 24of an absorptive type is used, display can be effected in a muted colortone.

Accordingly, changeover between the reflection characteristic of thereflection-type polarizing film 14, and the reflection characteristic orthe absorption characteristic of the color filter 24 can be executed byapplying or by not applying a voltage to a first liquid crystal cell 16.

Here, as a liquid crystal layer of a second liquid crystal cell 18, inregions where a voltage is applied to electrodes of the second liquidcrystal cell 18, formed in a predetermined pattern for displayingcharacters and graphics, will lose its light guide effect, the incominglight linearly polarized in the direction parallel with the transmissionaxis of an absorption-type polarizing film 12 is turned to be linearlypolarized in the direction orthogonal to the transmission axis of thereflection-type polarizing film 14. Consequently, the light incidentthereon is reflected in whole by the reflection-type polarizing film 14,so that a viewer can see reflected light in a metallic tone, reflectedaccording to the reflection characteristic of the reflection-typepolarizing film 14.

When a voltage is applied to neither the first liquid crystal cell 16nor to the second liquid crystal cell 18, the entire surface isdisplayed in a metallic tone, dependent on the reflection characteristicof the reflection-type polarizing film 14. On the other hand, when avoltage is applied to the whole-surface electrodes of the first liquidcrystal cell 16, display dependent on the reflection characteristic orthe absorption characteristic of the color filter 24 will be effected,so that an optical shutter for a metallic tone can be opened or closedby applying or by not applying a voltage to the first liquid crystalcell 16.

Further, by applying a voltage to the electrodes of the second liquidcrystal cell 18, formed in the predetermined pattern, while applying avoltage to the whole-surface electrodes of the first liquid crystal cell16, only regions of the electrodes formed in the predetermined patterncan be displayed in a metallic tone, dependent on the reflectioncharacteristic of the reflection-type polarizing film 14 against abackground color determined according to the reflection characteristicand the absorption characteristic of the color filter 24.

Further, with the liquid crystal display device according to thisembodiment, wherein the backlight 26 is installed on the underside ofthe color filter 24, the operation thereof is as follows when thebacklight 26 is lit up.

For example, when a voltage is applied to the electrodes of the secondliquid crystal cell 18 which are formed in the predetermined pattern fordisplaying characters and graphics while applying a voltage to thewhole-surface electrodes of the first liquid crystal cell 16, the lightlinearly polarized in the direction parallel with the transmission axisof the reflection-type polarizing film 14, emitted by the backlight 26when it is lit up and transmitted through the color filter 24, is thentransmitted through the reflection-type polarizing film 14 and falls onthe second liquid crystal cell 18, whereupon the polarized directionthereof rotated due to the light guide effect of the second liquidcrystal cell 18 in regions other than those in the predetermined patternfor displaying characters and graphics.

At this point, the first liquid crystal cell 16 has no light guideeffect, and the light linearly polarized falling thereon is allowed topass through the absorption-type polarizing film 12 as it is.

Further, the light linearly polarized in the direction orthogonal to thetransmission axis of the reflection-type polarizing film 14, among lightemitted by the backlight 26 and transmitted through the color filter 24,is reflected by the reflection-type polarizing film 14, however, part ofthe reflected light is reflected again between the color filter 24 andthe surface of the backlight 26, and when depolarization occurs, thepart of the reflected light is turned to be linearly polarized in thedirection parallel with the transmission axis of the reflection-typepolarizing film 14, and is transmitted through the reflection-typepolarizing film 14.

Thus, with the liquid crystal display device according to thisembodiment, not only a reflection-type display using external light, butalso a transmission-type display using a backlight, having a high lightutilization efficiency, can be effected.

Since other arrangement and functions of the liquid crystal displaydevice according to this embodiment are similar to those of the liquidcrystal display device according to the tenth embodiment shown in FIG.12, description thereof is omitted here.

Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, various othermodifications to this embodiment are also possible.

Twelfth Embodiment: FIG. 14

Next, a twelfth embodiment of a liquid crystal display device accordingto the invention is described with reference to FIG. 14.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 14 differs from theliquid crystal display device according to the ninth embodiment, shownin FIG. 11, only in that a light scattering film 22 is installed on thevisible side of an absorption-type polarizing film 12.

The light scattering film 22 described above is formed by applyingsilica (silicon dioxide) particles, acrylic beads, calcium powders orthe like, mixed into an adhesive, to the surface of a film-likesubstrate. Since the function of the light scattering film 22 is thesame as in the case of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, and otherfunctions of the liquid crystal display device according to thisembodiment are the same as those for the liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 11, description thereofis omitted here.

Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, various othermodifications to this embodiment are also possible.

Thirteenth Embodiment: FIG. 15

Next, a thirteenth embodiment of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the invention is described with reference to FIG. 15.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 15 differs from theliquid crystal display device according to the twelfth embodiment, shownin FIG. 14, only in that a color filter 24 is installed between areflection-type polarizing film 14 and a backlight 26.

Since the specific example and function of the color filter 24 are thesame as those in the case of the eleventh embodiment shown in FIG. 13,description thereof is omitted here.

Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, various othermodifications to this embodiment are also possible.

Fourteenth Embodiment: FIG. 16

Next, a fourteenth embodiment of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the invention is described with reference to FIG. 16.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 16 differs from theliquid crystal display device according to the twelfth embodiment, shownin FIG. 14, only in that a transflective reflector 28 is installedbetween a reflection-type polarizing film 14 and a backlight 26.

Since the specific example and function of the transflective reflector28 are the same as those in the case of the tenth embodiment shown inFIG. 12, description thereof is omitted here.

Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, various othermodifications to this embodiment are also possible.

Fifteenth Embodiment: FIG. 17

Next, a fifteenth embodiment of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the invention is described with reference to FIG. 17.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 17 differs from theliquid crystal display device according to the eleventh embodiment,shown in FIG. 13, only in that a transflective reflector 28 is installedbetween a color filter 24 disposed on a side of the reflection-typepolarizing film 14, opposite from the visible side thereof, and abacklight 26.

Since the function of the liquid crystal display device according tothis embodiment is the same as a combination of that for the tenthembodiment shown in FIG. 12, and that for the eleventh embodiment shownin FIG. 13, description thereof is omitted here.

Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, various othermodifications to this embodiment are also possible.

Sixteenth Embodiment FIG. 18

Lastly, a sixteenth embodiment of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the invention is described with reference to FIG. 18.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 18 differs from theliquid crystal display device according to the fifteenth embodiment,shown in FIG. 17, only in that a light scattering film 22 is installedon the visible side of an absorption-type polarizing film 12.

Since the specific example and function of the light scattering film 22are the same as those in the case of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.6, description thereof is omitted here.

Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, various othermodifications to this embodiment are also possible.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described in the foregoing, with the liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the invention, information expressed in characters,graphics, and so forth can be displayed in a transparent state, in ablack color, or in an optional color against a background displayed in ametallic tone. Further, by inverting display conditions between thebackground part and the information display segment of the device,display of characters, graphics, and so forth in a metallic tone can beeffected against the background displayed in a transparent state, in ablack color, or in an optional color. It is also possible to effectdisplay of both in a metallic tone, but in a high contrast. Further,display in a softened metallic tone, or transmission-type color displaycarried out by lighting up a backlight, can also be effected.

Thus, the invention can provide a liquid crystal display device not onlycapable of effecting highly visible display in a single color, but alsohaving variety in design and being amusing to users.

Accordingly, if the liquid crystal display device according to theinvention is applied to various electronic equipment such as a timepieceand so forth, particularly to portable electronic equipment, interestingelectronic equipment highly variable in design will be provided

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid crystal display device comprising: afirst liquid crystal cell made up of a liquid crystal layer sealed in agap between a pair of transparent substrates having an electrode formedon each of the inner surfaces thereof, facing each other; a secondliquid crystal cell disposed on a side of the first liquid crystal cellopposite from the visible side thereof and driven independently of thefirst liquid crystal cell; an absorption-type polarizing film disposedon the visible side of the first liquid crystal cell, for absorbing thelight linearly polarized in the direction orthogonal to the transmissionaxis thereof, and a reflection-type polarizing film disposed on a sideof the second liquid crystal cell, opposite from the visible sidethereof for reflecting the light linearly polarized in the directionorthogonal to the transmission axis thereof, wherein said first andsecond liquid crystal cells control the strength of transmitted light byapplying a voltage to a liquid crystal layer without changing a colortone of the transmitted light.
 2. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising a reflector disposed on a sideof the reflection-type polarizing film, opposite from the visible sidethereof.
 3. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1,further comprising a color filter disposed on a side of thereflection-type polarizing film, opposite from the visible side thereof.4. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, wherein thecolor filter is any of a selective-transmission-type color filter, aselective-transmission-type color polarizing film, and a dielectricmulti-layered filter.
 5. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 1, further comprising a light scattering film disposed on thevisible side of the absorption-type polarizing film.
 6. The liquidcrystal display device according to claim 1, further comprising a lightscattering film disposed on the visible side of the absorption-typepolarizing film, and a color filter on a side of the reflection-typepolarizing film, opposite from the visible side thereof.
 7. The liquidcrystal display device according to claim 6, wherein the color filter isany of a selective-transmission-type color filter, aselective-transmission-type color polarizing film, and a dielectricmulti-layered filter.
 8. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 1, further comprising a light scattering film disposed on thevisible side of the absorption-type polarizing film, and a reflectordisposed on a side of the reflection-type polarizing film opposite fromthe visible side thereof.
 9. The liquid crystal display device accordingto claim 1, further comprising a color filter disposed on a side of thereflection-type polarizing film, opposite from the visible side thereof,and a reflector disposed on a side of the color filter opposite from thevisible side thereof.
 10. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 9, wherein the color filter is any of aselective-transmission-type color filter, a selective-transmission-typecolor polarizing film, and a dielectric multi-layered filter.
 11. Theliquid crystal display device according to claim 9, further comprising alight scattering film disposed on the visible side of theabsorption-type polarizing film.
 12. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 11, wherein the color filter is either of aselective-transmission-type color filter, a selective-transmission-typecolor polarizing film, and a dielectric multi-layered filter.
 13. Theliquid crystal display device according to claim 1, further comprising abacklight disposed on a side of the reflection-type polarizing filmopposite from the visible side thereof.
 14. The liquid crystal displaydevice according to claim 13, wherein the backlight is any of anelectroluminescence light, a light-emitting diode array, a hot cathodetube, and a cold cathode tube.
 15. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 13, further comprising a transflective reflectordisposed between the reflection-type polarizing film and the backlight.16. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 13, furthercomprising a color filter disposed between the reflection-typepolarizing film and the backlight.
 17. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 16, wherein the color filter is any of aselective-transmission-type color filter, a selective-transmission-typecolor polarizing film and a dielectric multi-layered filter.
 18. Theliquid crystal display device according to claim 16, wherein the colorfilter is any of a selective-transmission-type color filter, aselective-transmission-type color polarizing film, and a dielectricmulti-layered filter.
 19. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 16, further comprising a transflective reflector disposed betweenthe color filter and the backlight.
 20. The liquid crystal displaydevice according to claim 1, further comprising a light scattering filmdisposed on the visible side of the absorption-type polarizing film, anda backlight disposed on a side of the reflection-type polarizing filmopposite from the visible side thereof.
 21. The liquid crystal displaydevice according to claim 20, wherein the backlight is any of anelectroluminescence light, a light-emitting diode array, a hot cathodetube, and a cold cathode tube.
 22. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 20, further comprising a color filter disposedbetween the reflection-type polarizing film and the backlight.
 23. Theliquid crystal display device according to claim 22, further comprisinga transflective reflector disposed between the color filter and thebacklight.
 24. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1,wherein the absorption-type polarizing film and the reflection-typepolarizing film are disposed such that respective transmission axes areorthogonal to or parallel with each other.
 25. The liquid crystaldisplay device according to claim 1, wherein a liquid crystal layer ofthe first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell iscomposed of liquid crystals causing linearly polarized light passingtherethrough to undergo phase modulation or intensity modulation. 26.The liquid crystal display device according to claim 25, wherein aliquid crystal layer of the first liquid crystal cell is composed oftwisted nematic liquid crystals.
 27. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 26, wherein the transmission axis of theabsorption-type polarizing film is oriented in a direction orthogonal toor parallel with the long axes of liquid crystal molecules in the liquidcrystal layer of the first liquid crystal cell on the visible sidethereof.
 28. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 25,wherein a liquid crystal layer of the first liquid crystal cell iscomposed of supertwisted nematic liquid crystals.
 29. The liquid crystaldisplay device according to claim 25, wherein a liquid crystal layer ofthe first liquid crystal cell is composed of guest-host liquid crystals.30. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 29, wherein theguest-host liquid crystals are guest-host liquid crystals havinghomogeneous alignment in an initial alignment thereof.
 31. The liquidcrystal display device according to claim 30, wherein the transmissionaxis of the absorption-type polarizing film is oriented in a directionorthogonal to or parallel with the long axes of liquid crystal moleculesin the liquid crystal layer of the first liquid crystal cell on thevisible side thereof.
 32. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 29, wherein the guest-host liquid crystals are guest-host liquidcrystals having homeotropic alignment in an initial alignment thereof.33. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 32, wherein thetransmission axis of the absorption-type polarizing film is oriented ina direction orthogonal to or parallel with the long axes of liquidcrystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the first liquidcrystal cell on the visible side thereof, when a voltage is applied tothe first liquid crystal cell.
 34. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 25, wherein a liquid crystal layer of the firstliquid crystal cell is composed of ferroelectric liquid crystals. 35.The liquid crystal display device according to claim 25, wherein aliquid crystal layer of the first liquid crystal cell is composed ofanti-ferroelectric liquid crystals.
 36. The liquid crystal displaydevice according to claim 25, wherein a liquid crystal layer of thesecond liquid crystal cell is composed of twisted nematic liquidcrystals.
 37. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 25,wherein a liquid crystal layer of the second liquid crystal cell iscomposed of supertwisted nematic liquid crystals.
 38. The liquid crystaldisplay device according to claim 25, wherein a liquid crystal layer ofthe second liquid crystal cell is composed of guest-host liquidcrystals.
 39. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 38,wherein the guest-host liquid crystals are guest-host liquid crystalshaving homogeneous alignment in an initial alignment thereof.
 40. Theliquid crystal display device according to claim 38, wherein theguest-host liquid crystals are guest-host liquid crystals havinghomeotropic alignment in an initial alignment thereof.
 41. The liquidcrystal display device according to claim 25, wherein a liquid crystallayer of the second liquid crystal cell is composed of ferroelectricliquid crystals.
 42. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 25, wherein a liquid crystal layer of the second liquid crystalcell is composed of anti-ferroelectric liquid crystals.
 43. The liquidcrystal display device according to claim 25, wherein the liquid crystallayer of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystalcell is composed of twisted nematic liquid crystals; the transmissionaxis of the absorption-type polarizing film is oriented in a directionorthogonal to or parallel with the long axes of liquid crystal moleculesin the liquid crystal layer of the first liquid crystal cell on thevisible side thereof; the long axes of liquid crystal molecules in theliquid crystal layer of the first liquid crystal cell, on a side thereofopposite from the visible side, are oriented in a direction parallelwith or orthogonal to the long axes of liquid crystal molecules in theliquid crystal layer of the second liquid crystal cell on the visibleside thereof; and the long axes of liquid crystal molecules in theliquid crystal layer of the second liquid crystal cell, on a sidethereof opposite from the visible side, are oriented in a directionparallel with or orthogonal to the transmission axis of thereflection-type polarizing film.
 44. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 43, wherein both the electrodes formed on the innersurfaces of a pair of transparent substrates of the first liquid crystalcell, facing each other; are whole-surface electrodes.